I love the start of a New Year. It is such a great opportunity to begin anew. God even says, “I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5. The beginning of a New Year is a great opportunity for each of us to look at our lives and to see the things that are working as well
as the areas that need to be improved. This is the time, to be honest. To be reflective. To even ask others. And, then to be bold. To be prayerful. To be creative. To improve. To make plans to become the man or woman God created you to be. To truly set yourself on the path to achieve your full potential.
Many people take time to make New Year’s Resolutions. I am a big believer in New Year’s Resolutions because this is just goal setting to me. This is taking the opportunity to set direction. As they say in Alice in Wonderland, “If you don’t know where you are going then any road will get you there.” This is true for so many people. They are like tumbleweeds – blown and tossed by the wind – the wind of circumstances. But, when you set goals, you begin to bring everything in your life into alignment. Instead of being blown and tossed about, you are now setting the direction for the rest of your life.
I like to do New Year’s Resolutions (or Goal Setting) in six major areas of my life: Spiritual, Physical, Mental, Emotional, Relational, and Financial. I want to encourage you to set some goals in each one of these major areas of your life:
Spiritual – This is the most important of all. As you grow deeper in your relationship with God, this impacts every other area of your life. Make a goal around your personal time with God – maybe it is having a daily devotional (there is the “Daily Step” on the Rolling Hills App or a Bible reading plan on YouVersion. Make a goal to pray and to journal. Make a goal around church attendance and even serving. How will you grow in your relationship with God this year?
Physical – Many people set New Year’s Resolutions in this area each year, but few ever get past February. Set realistic goals. You can’t lose 20 pounds in a month (and keep it off), but you can in 6 months. Make wise decisions about eating healthy and exercising. It matters how you treat your body for long-term health and success. What goal can you set physically this year?
Mental – Keeping your mind sharp is important. Being mentally sharp impacts your job, your family, and your future. There is so much information out there today, but how can you grow in wisdom? Wisdom combines knowledge and godly application. What books will you read, podcasts and sermons will you listen to in 2022? Make a commitment and a list.
Emotional – Many times we want to grow mentally, but emotional health is just as essential. These last two years have taken a toll on everyone. How can you be emotionally strong? Find time to develop peace, silence, and balance. Monitor your social media time and what you are allowing into your mind. Find your worth and value in what God says about you and not what the world says. What goal can you set to help you experience God’s peace and His purpose?
Relational – A New Year is a great opportunity to evaluate your relationship with God as well as with other people. How can you grow in your marriage and with your kids in 2022? Schedule “Date Nights” (you have to plan these) with your spouse and with your kids. Also, evaluate who you are spending time with the most. You will become like the people you hang out with, so are they leading you closer to God and making you better? Or, are the people you are hanging out with leading you away from God? Set goals to spend relational time with those you love the most and who help you become your best you.
Financial – This is another big area that many people want to address at the beginning of a New Year, but so few actually do it. Financial includes your revenue and expenses. Evaluate your job. Are you still doing what you love? Then, how can you best control your expenses? Live by the 10-10-80 principle – give your first 10% back to God, save your next 10% and then live on 80%. Set goals for the year on what you will give, save and spend. Make a budget and watch this make a big difference in your life.
Overall, this is the time to take control of your life. This is the time to put first things first and to live your best life. Don’t keep doing what you have always done, but look for ways to improve. Set goals, and pray for God to accomplish His will through you. Your best days are still ahead, but you must be intentional or the tyranny of the urgent will steal your joy and zap your productivity. I am praying for you and believing God’s best for your life. In fact, I pray 2022 is your best year yet!
Happy New Year!
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